Convertible snow plow

ABSTRACT

A plow mounts to a vehicle and includes a plow blade defining a longitudinal direction and having a forward surface configurable at a first position with the plow blade transverse to the direction of travel and a second position with the plow blade oblique to the direction of travel. First and second box ends are at ends of the plow blade, extending transversely to the plow blade, each of the first and second box ends having a first straight edge, a second straight edge, and a recess intermediate the first and second straight edges. The box ends rotate between a first position with a first straight edge extending forward horizontally proximate the bottom of the plow blade; a second position with a second straight extending rearward horizontally proximate the bottom of the plow blade, and a third position with the first and second straight edges raised.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a convertible plow that may be configured for pushing, for back dragging and for merging.

Description of the Prior Art

Plows include blades that attach to vehicles to redirect various materials on the ground. A common application is snow plowing in which plows are used to clear roadways, parking lots and other areas. The plows may be mounted on vehicles such as tractors, skid steer loaders, trucks and other utility and recreational vehicles. Snow and other material that needs to be cleared is generally moved to the edge or to a central area where the snow may be loaded into other vehicles for removal. Clearing typically involves plowing in a direction and making multiple passes. When a straight blade often referred to as a moldboard is used, plowing generally includes three distinct configurations of the blade for three distinct plowing activities.

In a first configuration for a first plowing action, the plow blade is typically positioned transverse to the forward direction of travel of the vehicle and snow pushing is conducted. The blades may include box ends that help to capture snow and extend forward of the moldboard. With the moldboard, the box ends form a “box” with an open forward side that keeps the material being plowed in front of the blade.

In a second plowing configuration, the plow may be configured for back dragging of the snow. Back dragging is often used in parking lots to pull snow from spaces along the perimeter of the lot or when snow is removed from a space with cars or other obstructions that may limit access. In the back dragging configuration, the blade pulls the snow rearward relative to the primary direction of travel of the vehicle. As with pushing, box ends may be utilized for back dragging to help retain snow from falling off ends of the moldboard. However, for back dragging, the box ends extend rearward and form three sides of a “box” to retain the snow.

In a third plowing configuration, the plow is configured for windrowing with the blade at an oblique angle to the primary direction of travel. With windrowing, the snow engaged by the blade passes along the blade and falls off one end of the blade to create a windrow. The windrows may be combined into larger windrows that may be pushed or hauled away. As material does not build up in front of the plow, windrowing can typically be conducted at a greater speed than back dragging and snow pushing. In contrast to pushing and back dragging, the ends of the plow blade needs to be unobstructed so that the material may fall off of the end of the blade.

It can be appreciated that performing the various different plowing tasks may require a different blade for each task or different vehicles. In an attempt to avoid multiple plow blades and/or vehicles, blades have been developed that are capable of performing more than one of the basic plowing tasks. U.S. Pat. No. 6,314,666 to Klemenhagen et al., and assigned to Hiniker Company of Mankato, Minn., discloses a material moving blade. The material moving blade includes upper and lower sections that are connected by a hinge that provides for a pivotal movement about a horizontal axis. An upper moldboard portion and lower moldboard portion may be folded to have either a material contact surface face forward or rearward. This system has proven to provide satisfactory results for pushing and back dragging.

Other systems have been developed that provide at least some flexibility. Kage Innovation, LLC, has developed a plow system with a detachable box end assembly that may be removed for use as a conventional snowplow or attached for use as a show pusher. Without the detachable box end assembly, the plow may be used to windrow or back drag and with the box attached, the plow may be used as a snow pusher.

Snowek Oy of Kuopio, Finland has also developed a plow that has some flexible features. The snow plow include folding wings that may extend with the wings aligned with the center blade portion, with both wings folded forward or with one wing folded forward and the other wing folded rearward. Such wings might provide for forward pushing and rearward pushing, but the plows are not well suited for back dragging.

It can therefore be appreciated that a new and improved plow is needed that includes a moldboard and box ends that can be configured for multiple different plowing activities. Such a plow should be configured to be used for snow pushing and back dragging with a box configuration. Moreover, such a plow should also be suitable for angling the blade and windrowing. Such a plow system should also advantageously be self-contained without the need to attach and detach a box assembly. The configuration should also be easily controlled by a vehicle operator without needing to manually configure any of the blade elements. The present invention addresses these as well as other problems associated with snow plows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a convertible plow such as may be used for moving snow and other materials on the ground. Such plows may be mounted to a skid steer loader, tool carrier, ATV or similar vehicle. The plow includes a generally straight blade with movable box ends.

The box end elements are connected by a brace that creates an assembly that is rotatably mounted about a horizontal axis extending substantially parallel to the plow blade. Each one of the opposed box end elements includes a first skid element forming a first edge. A second skid element forms a second edge that is perpendicular or oblique to the first edge. A recess that may be an arc extends between the first edge and the second edge. The box end elements are rotational mounted to extend between first, second and third operating configuration.

The box end elements are positioned in a first operating configuration with the first edge extending horizontally and proximate to the ground. The skid and first edge extend forward in front of the blade in the direction of travel. Such a configuration forms a generally rectangular open box structure that may be used for pushing the snow or other material before the plow.

In a second operating configuration, the box end elements are rotated with the second edge of the second skid element extending horizontally proximate the ground. The second skid and second edge extend rearward from the plow blade toward the vehicle and opposite the primary direction of travel. With the box end elements and the skids extending rearward from the plow blade, a rectangular open box structure is formed for back dragging. When back dragging, the vehicle pulls the plow blade in a direction opposite the front surface of the blade and may be used for pulling snow inward from edges of an area to be cleared.

In a third operating configuration, the plow assembly is configured for windrowing. When configured for windrowing, the blade is placed at an oblique angle relative to the normal perpendicular position and is therefore also oriented at an angle relative to the primary direction of travel of the vehicle. With such a configuration, snow or other material engaged by the blade passes along the surface of the blade and is directed to the trailing end of the blade to form a windrow. For such an operation, the box end elements are rotated to a third configuration in which the profile of blade intercepts the recess of each box end element. In the windrowing configuration, both the first and second skids are raised upward above the ground. The recess extends upward to provide an unobstructed space at the end of the plow blade. Therefore, snow or other material may pass beyond the trailing end of the plow blade without being obstructed by the box ends. The material forms a windrow.

These features of novelty and various other advantages that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings that form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference letters and numerals indicate corresponding structure throughout the several views:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a plow assembly according to the principles of the present invention with box ends in a first position;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the plow assembly shown in FIG. 1;

a top plan view of the plow assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the plow assembly shown in FIG. 1 in a first operating configuration;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the plow assembly shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the plow assembly shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a right side elevational view of the plow assembly shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the plow assembly shown in FIG. 1 in a second operating configuration;

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the plow assembly shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the plow assembly shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a right side elevational view of the plow assembly shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the plow assembly shown in FIG. 1 in a third operating configuration;

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the plow assembly shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the plow assembly shown in FIG. 11; and

FIG. 14 is a right side elevational view of the plow assembly shown in FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, there is shown a plow assembly, generally designated (100) mounted to a vehicle, generally designated (200). While the vehicle (200) is shown as a skid steer loader, it can be appreciated that the plow may be mounted to many conventional vehicles used for plowing, such as a truck, a tool carrier, an all-terrain vehicle or other similar types of vehicles that are typically used for plowing. The skid steer loader (200) includes wheels (202), a frame (204), and a tool supporting assembly (206). The operator sits in a seat (210) and is protected by a cage (208). The operator is able to access controls for the skid steer loader (200) as well as controls for the plow from the operator seat (210). Moreover, the vehicle (200) provides necessary power and or hydraulics for operation and control of the plow assembly (100).

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the plow assembly (100) includes a blade (102) also referred to as a moldboard. The blade includes a top edge (104) and a bottom-cutting element (106). The moldboard (102) includes a generally curved front surface (108). The bottom edge element (106) is hingedly mounted about hinge pins (132) that extend through collars (134) on the bottom element (106) and collars (138) on the bottom of the moldboard (102). Springs (136) engage the bottom element (106) to provide resilient mounting so that the bottom-cutting element (106) flexes when encountering an obstruction, but automatically returns to its use position.

The plow assembly (100) mounts to the vehicle (200) with a push frame (110), also commonly referred to as an A frame. A mounting plate (112) provides for standard mounting to a vehicle that is interchangeable with other tools and devices. Angle cylinders (114) provide for rotation about a vertical axis to change the plow blade (102) between a position generally perpendicular to the primary direction of travel for pushing and back dragging, and an angled position for windrowing, as explained hereinafter. A mounting pin (118) provides the vertical axis through a collar (120) and sleeve (122). Moreover, the angle cylinders (114) extend into collar receivers (124) to provide pivotal movement of the plow. A vertical angle cylinder (116) is part of an adjustment linkage (126) that provides for changing the orientation of the plow about a horizontal axis. It can be appreciated that the vehicle (200) provides power and hydraulic control through hydraulic lines (not shown for clarity) to actuate the various positioning elements and move the plow assembly (100) between different operating positions.

The plow assembly (100) also includes a box end assembly (150) including generally planar box end elements (152), also sometimes referred to as containment wings, at either end of the moldboard (102). The box end assembly (150) includes a brace (154) extending forward of the moldboard (102) and connecting the left and right box end elements (152). The box end elements (152) are rotatably mounted about a rod (158) defining a rotational axis (156) generally parallel to a longitudinal direction of the blade (102). A sleeve (180) mounts on the moldboard (102) and receives the rod (158) to provide rotation of the linked left and right box end elements (152) relative to the blade (102). The brace (154) links the box end elements (152) so that they are rotated together as an assembly.

Each box end element (152) includes a first skid element (160) defining a first edge that is generally forward of the blade (102) and lowered proximate the ground for pushing, as explained hereinafter. Each box end element (152) also includes a second skid element (162) defining a second edge that is positioned to the rear of the moldboard (102) and can be lowered to be proximate the ground for back dragging, as also explained hereinafter. An arcing recess (164) extends between the first edge and the second edge. Each box end element also includes a first stop (166) and a second stop (168) that engage the blade (102) to properly position the box end elements at the first rotational position or second rotational position. Each box end element (152) also includes an angled reinforcement (170) to provide rigidity to the element for plowing. A mounting bracket (172) mounts the first skid element (160) to each box end element (152) and a second mounting bracket (174) mounts to the second skid element (162) to each box end element (152).

The box end elements (152) and their rotational mounting provide for configuring the plow assembly (100) for three primary types of plowing. The plow assembly may be configured for pushing as a box when the box ends (152) are positioned such as shown in FIGS. 3-6. The plow assembly (100) may also be positioned with the box end elements (152) positioned in a second primary configuration for back dragging, such as shown in FIGS. 7-10. Moreover, the plow assembly (100) may have the box ends (152) positioned in a third primary configuration for windrowing, such as shown in FIGS. 11-14. It can be appreciated that the vehicle (200) provides easy control for the operator to position the blade (102) and the box ends (152) at the proper orientation for each of the primary plowing operations. Changes may be made through conventional hydraulic controls in the vehicle controlled by the operator in the operator seat (210). No manual adjustment of the plow assembly (100) is required with the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-6, the plow assembly is configured for pushing snow or other material. With the box end elements (152) positioned such as shown in FIGS. 3-6, the first skid elements (160) are positioned with the bottom edge extending horizontally proximate the ground. Moreover, a substantial portion of the box end element (152) extends forward of the moldboard (102). The moldboard (102) and box end elements (152) form three sides of a rectangular open plowing box that retains snow or other material and allows it to be pushed forward. The brace (154) provides additional support between the box end elements (152).

Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, the box end assembly is rotated into a second primary position in which the plow assembly (100) is configured for back dragging. In the back dragging position shown in FIGS. 7-10, the box end elements (152) are rotated rearward so that the second skid element (162) is positioned with its bottom edge extending horizontally and proximate the ground. At this position, the second skid elements (162) and a substantial portion of each box end element (152) extend rearward from blade (102) and form three sides of a rectangular open plowing box for back dragging. In this position, the plow assembly is configured for plowing with the vehicle moving rearward and the snow being dragged in the direction shown by the arrow of FIG. 9. The blade (102) is positioned to be substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-14, there is shown a third primary operating configuration for the plow assembly (100). In the third operational configuration, the plow assembly is configured for windrowing in which snow or other material is directed to one side or the other of the moldboard (102). The plow blade (102) is rotated to an attack angle that it is not perpendicular to the direction of travel as shown most clearly in FIG. 13. In the position shown in FIGS. 11-14, the snow or other material is directed to a windrow on the right side of the plow assembly (100). However, it can be readily appreciated that the plow assembly (100) may be configured to direct material to either the left or right by simply actuating the angle cylinders (114) to a different configuration. Moreover, depending on the particular operating requirements and conditions, the plow blade (102) may be at a steeper or shallower angle relative to the direction of travel than is shown. As the snow needs to pass beyond the end of the blade (102), the box end elements (152) must be positioned so as to not block the ends of the blade. Therefore, in the position shown in FIGS. 11-14, the profile of the plow blade (102) is aligned to pass through the recess (164). The ends of the blade are unobstructed at this position. The recess (164) creates a void that provides sufficient space for the snow or other material to fall off the end of the curved surface (108) of the blade (102). Therefore, the snow engaged by the plow is directed to one side and forms a windrow. The windrow may then be left and removed or pushed or back dragged, depending upon the requirements of the location. The recess (164) is shown as arcing upward in FIGS. 11-14 and aligns generally with the profile of the blade as shown in 10. However, as long as the recess (164) allows the box end elements (152) to be positioned so as not to obstruct the ends of the blade (102), the recess does not need to be arced.

It can be appreciated that the present invention provides for superior performance from a single plow blade that can be utilized for pushing, back dragging and windrowing without changing blades or making other equipment changes to the plow assembly. The present invention provides flexibility with an economical and reliable plow that is not possible with the prior art or any combination thereof.

It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A plow apparatus, mountable to a vehicle moving in a direction of travel; the plow apparatus comprising: a plow blade defining a longitudinal direction and having a forward surface; the plow blade having a top, a bottom, a first end and a second end; a blade positioning system for supporting the plow blade at: a first position with the plow blade longitudinal direction substantially transverse to the direction of travel; a second position with the plow blade longitudinal direction oblique to the direction of travel; a first box end at the first end of the plow blade and a second box end at a second end of the plow blade; each of the first and second box ends extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the plow blade, each of the first and second box ends having a first straight edge, a second straight edge non-parallel with the first straight edge, and a section intermediate the first edge and the second edge and defining a recess; the first and second box ends being rotatable about an axis extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the plow blade between a first box end position and a second box end position; the first straight edge being at a lower portion of the first and second box ends and extending substantially forward horizontally at a same height as the bottom of the plow blade at the first box end position; the second straight edge being at a lower portion of the first and second box ends and extending substantially rearward horizontally at a same height as the bottom of the plow blade at the second box end position.
 2. The plow apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a third box end position; the first and second straight edges being raised above the bottom of the plow blade at the third box end position.
 3. The plow apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first and second box ends are at the first box end position or the second box end position when the plow blade is at the first position, and wherein the first and second box ends are at the third box end position when the plow blade is at the second position.
 4. The plow apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the section intermediate the first edge and the second edge comprises a concave curved edge.
 5. The plow apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the section intermediate the first edge and the second edge comprises a curved edge, the curved edge substantially aligning with the curved profile when the first and second box ends are at the first box end position.
 6. The plow apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the each of the first and second box ends comprises a substantially planar body extending transverse to the longitudinal direction of the plow blade.
 7. A plow apparatus, mountable to a vehicle moving in a direction of travel; the plow apparatus comprising: a plow blade defining a longitudinal direction and having a forward surface with a curved profile; the plow blade having a top, a bottom, a first end and a second end; a blade positioning system for supporting the plow blade at: a first position with the plow blade longitudinal direction substantially transverse to the direction of travel; a second position with the plow blade longitudinal direction oblique to the direction of travel; a first box end at the first end of the plow blade and a second box end at a second end of the plow blade; each of the first and second box ends extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the plow blade, each of the first and second box ends having a first straight edge, a second straight edge non-parallel with the first straight edge, and a section intermediate the first edge and the second edge and defining a recess; the first and second box ends being rotatable about an axis extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the plow blade between a first box end position, a second box end position and a third box end position; the first straight edge being at a lower portion of the first and second box ends and extending substantially forward horizontally at a same height as the bottom of the plow blade at the first box end position; the second straight edge being at a lower portion of the first and second box ends and extending substantially rearward horizontally at a same height as the bottom of the plow blade at the second box end position; the first and second straight edges being raised above the bottom of the plow blade at the third box end position.
 8. The plow apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first and second box ends are at the first box end position or the second box end position when the plow blade is at the first position, and wherein the first and second box ends are at the third box end position when the plow blade is at the second position.
 9. The plow apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the section intermediate the first edge and the second edge comprises a concave curved edge.
 10. The plow apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the section intermediate the first edge and the second edge comprises a curved edge, the curved edge substantially aligning with the curved profile when the first and second box ends are at the first box end position.
 11. The plow apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the each of the first and second box ends comprises a substantially planar body extending transverse to the longitudinal direction of the plow blade.
 12. A method of positioning a plow blade for plowing, the plow blade having a face defining a curved profile, and a box end at each end of the blade, each box end having a first straight edge, a second straight edge, and a recessed section intermediate the first straight edge and the second straight edge; the method comprising: mounting the plow blade to a vehicle moving in a primary direction of travel; positioning the plow blade face transverse to the primary direction of travel and positioning the box ends with the first straight edge extending horizontally forward of the blade in the primary direction of travel; positioning the plow blade face transverse to the primary direction of travel and positioning the box ends with the second straight edge extending rearward of the blade opposite to the primary direction of travel; and positioning the plow blade face obliquely to the primary direction of travel and positioning the box ends with the first and second straight edges extending obliquely to horizontal.
 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the ends of the plow blade are unobstructed when the box ends are positioned with the first and second straight edges extending obliquely to horizontal.
 14. The method according to claim 12, wherein the recessed section intermediate the first edge and the second edge comprises a concave curved edge and wherein the concave third edge forms a void for snow to pass beyond an end of the plow blade when the box ends are positioned with the first and second straight edges extending obliquely to horizontal.
 15. The method according to claim 12, wherein the section intermediate the first edge and the second edge comprises a curved edge, and wherein with the box ends are positioned with the second straight edge extending rearward of the blade opposite to the primary direction of travel the curved edge substantially aligns with the curved profile. 